Cheese Pie/Pide

Cheese pie, also known as pide, is a true delight that combines culinary tradition with the authentic flavor of simple ingredients. This cheese pie recipe is perfect for any time of the day, whether you’re having a hearty breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a quick and delicious dinner. In the following steps, I will guide you through the preparation of this delicacy, providing useful tips and interesting information about ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation variations.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g of flour (I recommend using type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 1 egg (at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough)
- 100 ml lukewarm water (don’t be stingy with the water; you can add a few drops more if needed)
- 25 g fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut; make sure it is active by testing it with lukewarm water and sugar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of sugar (this helps activate the yeast)

For the sauce:
- 300 g sour cream (choose a sour cream with a higher fat content for a creamier sauce)
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk (substitute with plant-based milk if you prefer a vegan option)

For the filling:
- 200 g cow or sheep telemea cheese (you can use a combination of cheeses based on your preferences)
- 400 g sweet cheese (fresh cheese will provide a more pleasant flavor)
- 1 egg (this will help bind the filling)
- 100 g sour cream (for added creaminess)

Preparation instructions

1. Making the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a deep bowl or onto a clean work surface. Make a well in the center of the flour, like a small volcano, and add the egg, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture in the center.

2. Kneading the dough: Add the lukewarm water little by little while continuing to knead the dough. Use your palms to knead it until it becomes elastic and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Resting the dough: Form the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes, which will make it easier to roll out.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the crumbled telemea cheese, sweet cheese, egg, and sour cream. Make sure the ingredients are well combined and adjust the taste with a little salt or pepper if needed.

5. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal balls. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin sheet, about 60 cm in diameter. Try to maintain an even thickness for uniform baking.

6. Assembling the pie: On each sheet, sprinkle the cheese filling, leaving a few centimeters free at the edges. Add a few drops of oil over the filling, then fold the sheet to form a semicircular pie. Place the pies in a greased baking tray.

7. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the sour cream, egg, and milk. Pour this sauce over the pies arranged in the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.

9. Finishing: Once the pies are baked, generously drizzle them with milk and cover them with a clean cloth for about 10 minutes. This will help retain moisture and achieve a soft texture.

Serving suggestions

Cheese pie is fantastic when served warm, alongside a glass of ayran, a yogurt drink that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pie. You can also serve it with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers for a balanced and delicious meal.

Tips and variations

- Filling variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta. Additionally, adding herbs like dill or parsley will enhance the flavor. If you enjoy bolder tastes, you can add olives or spinach to the filling.

- Freezing: If you want to prepare the pies in advance, you can freeze them before baking. Place them in an airtight container, and when you want to serve them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional information

One serving of cheese pie (approximately 1/8 of the pie) contains about:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the dough will be denser. I recommend using a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a more complex flavor.

2. How can I make the pie less fatty?
Use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of sour cream in the filling. You can also cut back on the amount of oil added.

3. What other drinks can I serve with the pie?
Besides ayran, you can try mint tea or fresh citrus juice, which will add a refreshing note to the meal.

Cheese pie is undoubtedly a versatile, delicious dish full of tradition. Try this recipe and let the flavors take you away, enjoying not only the taste but also the time spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!